Guide To Buying Softball Gloves

When it comes to buying softball gloves, there are a number of factors to consider so that you get the best softball glove to fit your needs.  There are different styles of softball gloves as well as different materials and sizes, and each type of softball glove is geared specifically to a specific position, ability level of the player, and the size of the hand that will be wearing the softball glove.

If you are looking to buy a softball glove, then the first consideration and one of the most important is what position you play.  Different types of fielder’s softball gloves will be suitable for different fielding positions and include:

First Base Softball Gloves – These gloves are longer than those for most other infield positions in order to make it easier for the first baseman to reach and be able to successfully catch balls thrown to them.  The pocket is also somewhat shallow to make it easier to pick the ball out of the pocket.  There are no individual fingers in a first base softball glove.

Infield Softball Gloves – There are a variety of sizes used for infield softball gloves.  These gloves have five individual finger pockets and a somewhat shallow center pocket to make it easier to grab the ball out of the pocket in order to throw it to make a play.  Of all infield positions, second base softball gloves are the smallest, followed by shortstop softball gloves and then third base softball gloves.

Outfield Softball Gloves – These gloves are long to provide extended reach and have deep pockets to make it easier to catch high pop up and fly balls.

Catchers Softball Gloves – These gloves have heavier padding to offer protection from the speed at which the pitcher throws the ball and also to add to the durability because the catcher spends more time than any other softball position catching the ball.  There are also no individual fingers in a catchers softball glove.

Pitchers Softball Gloves – These gloves typically have closed webbing to shield the ball from the batter and a somewhat deep pocket.

Softball Batting Gloves – Most softball players wear batting gloves to protect their hands from the impact of hitting the ball and to provide a more comfortable and secure grip on the bat.

Other options to consider when choosing a softball glove relate to how the glove is constructed.  For example, there are softball gloves with open webbing or closed webbing.  Most positions that require deeper pockets also go well with closed webbing, while those players that need to be able to quickly grab the ball may prefer more open webbing.    The same goes for the back of the glove and whether it is open or closed.  If you want more security, a closed back softball glove is preferable but if you want more hand flexibility, you may prefer a more open back.  Softball gloves also have different options for how to loosen or tighten the glove across the bottom of the hand to make sure it fits securely.

Another consideration is the type of material that softball gloves are made from.   The best gloves are made from leather and the quality of leather will usually be a big factor in determining softball glove prices.  Some leather gloves are already treated to make it easier to break them in and others will have to be treated by the player and may take longer to break in.  Synthetic softball gloves are less expensive in price but are also lower in quality and not as durable or flexible.

When it comes to determining the best size of softball glove to buy, the most important factor is the player’s position, as outlined above.  Another important factor is the age of the individual and their ability.  In general, the smaller the softball glove, the more control a person has over controlling the glove, but the larger the glove, the more reach it provides and the more space it provides to catch the ball.  Softball gloves that are too large for the person using them can be difficult to control and are not effective.  If you play multiple positions on the field, you should select the largest glove to meet your various positions’ needs that will still provide the necessary control, assuming you are using the same glove for multiple positions.

Once you have decided what type and size of softball glove you need, the next step is deciding on the manufacturer of the glove.   Choosing a softball glove manufacturer is partly a matter of personal preference, although some companies offer better quality gloves than others or larger selections of sizes and features.  Some companies are geared more towards fastpitch softball gloves, while others offer a wider selection of slow pitch softball gloves.  Some of the top choices include:

• Mizuno softball gloves
• Demarini softball gloves
• Nokona softball gloves
• Rawlings softball gloves
• Wilson softball gloves
• Worth softball gloves
• Easton softball gloves
• Akadema softball gloves

You can find both adult and youth softball gloves for sale at most major sporting good stores and can even find a limited selection of baseball and softball gloves at some big box or discount stores.  To find the best selection, you can search for softball gloves online.  There are numerous companies that offer a wide selection of softball gloves and other softball accessories, and many will let you easily return a glove if it is not what you had hoped for.  Searching online is also a great way to compare softball glove prices and features.

When it comes to choosing a softball glove, there are a number of factors to consider before purchasing.  While there is quite a selection of relatively cheap softball gloves in stores for those just learning the game or those out to enjoy a friendly neighborhood game, players who play competitive softball will spend a good deal of time and money trying to find the best softball glove to fit their needs.  Since buying a quality softball glove requires a decent investment of money, it is best to try out a few different gloves to make sure that the glove you choose feels comfortable and will best meet the demands of your position and level of play.

Buying a softball glove can be a big decision since there are so many options to choose from.  The hardest part of buying softball gloves, however, is knowing what features are most important to you in order to help you play your best.